For many young people, including people with a learning disability, work experience can be an important step in discovering the world of work for the first time.
This Youth Employment Week, we’re asking employers to rethink Work Experience (WEX). Smaller and more structured experiences are much more beneficial for the majority of the young people we support. Think beyond the classic two-week full-time placement. WEX can look like:
- A two-hour session each week for a month, allowing the young person to build confidence gradually.
- A behind the scenes tour of your organisation to demystify your workplace and inspire career ideas such as our recent day at the National Portrait Gallery.
- A group careers chat where you staff share their roles and journeys.
- A short project or task that gives a sense of real responsibility without disrupting workflows.
These lighter-touch experiences can ignite ambition, build employability skills and open door to future talent – all whilst keeping the commitment manageable for you.
We understand the responsibility you feel as an employer. As a Disability Confident Leader, we can empower your organisation to feel ready, equipped and confident by supporting you with:
- WEX Planning: our team can co-design a tailored plan that fits your organisation needs and capacity.
- Job Coaching: a skilled job coach supporting the young person during their time with you, ensuring they get the chance to thrive as well as supporting your team through the placement.
- Disability Awareness Training: As a disability confident leader, we can deliver training to help your teams feel equipped and confident.
- Ongoing Advice and Guidance: from reasonable adjustments to communication tips, we here as a trusted partner.
We want employers to think differently about what WEX can be and what it can achieve. Whether you can offer a structured placement, a short tour or even just an hour for a careers chat – you can support a young person to take their first steps towards independence and a sustained career.